MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR HEATHER RENEE!

Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?

– My most recent release, Shades of Fury, came to me piece by piece. I first got to know my main character. Her name is Taya and she is full of so much sass! I had an incredible time getting to know her and watching her story unfold right before me.

How did you get interested in writing this particular genre (historical novels, mysteries, sci-fi, children’s books, etc.)?

– After I wrote my Urban Fantasy series, Paranormal Romance seemed like the next intriguing genre to write. I thoroughly enjoy reading both, so it made sense for me to write in both.

What kind of research did you do for this book?

– I did some logistical research for some traveling the characters had to do and I also had to research some medical things. I think the most interesting thing I googled was cyanide…

Can you tell me about your Series?

– My most recent one, Raven Point Pack, is New Adult and is about a wolf shifter whose twin brother is murdered. She goes off in search of his killer and seeking vengeance. What she finds is a sexy shifter and more problems to add to her ever growing list.

My other series, The Falls Trilogy, is Young Adult and about a college student named Kali who finds out she’s not from Earth and neither are her parents and best friend. On her 21st birthday she ventures to her birth land and learns life can’t always be planned.

Do you have a favorite book out of this series?

– My favorite book from Raven Point Pack is the first one, Shades of Fury. For The Falls Trilogy, it’s a tie between the novella, Before The Falls and the last book, Embracing The Falls.

Was it always meant to become a series?

– Most definitely! I love series!

What’s a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?

– I’m not a full-time writer so it varies depending on my release schedule. When I’m on a deadline, I usually set a weekly goal of 15,000 words. I find it easier to achieve than a daily goal.

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

– I think main character names are very important. I usually think it through for several days if not weeks before deciding. Any others, I don’t think too hard on it. Just use whatever seems to fit.

Where do your ideas come from?

– Sometimes it’s nature, sometimes it’s dreams, other times it’s just people watching and letting my imagination run wild.

Is there a genre that you’ve been wanting to experiment with?

– Not at this time. I really love the two genres I already write in and I’ll probably stick with that for a while.

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

– Slowing down! I have a hard time writing slowly. Once an idea strikes, I have to write it down.

What’s the best thing about being an author?

– The readers! My favorite thing is when I receive a message from a reader telling me that my books meant something to them. Touched them on a deeper level. Giving the gift of escapism is my greatest joy as an author.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

– Hopefully still writing and working less at the day job 😉

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

– My first advice is always to make sure they save enough money for a great cover and a solid editor. Those two things sell books. Without them, your window of opportunity to reach readers decreases considerably. My second piece advice is to have fun! Make new friends and enjoy publishing. Don’t sweat the small stuff and be willing to take constructive criticism. If you can’t, then publishing may not be the field for you.

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

– I do attempt to read all reviews. I love hearing what readers have to say. It’s helps me to grow. I especially read any negative ones so I can learn from. Not all of them are constructive, but some have helped me to correct things I didn’t see before.

What is your least favourite part of the writing / publishing process?

– Probably having to find the perfect cover, title, and blurb for each book. Creating the words on the inside is the easy part. LOL

What are you working on now?

– I’m currently writing a prequel novella to Raven Point Pack. It will release this winter. It is told from the POV of the brother to the trilogy’s main character.

– Jaymin Eve is my all-time favorite indie author and the twilight books are my favorite go-to books when I’m in between new releases.

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favourite and why?

– Taya from Raven Point Pack is my favorite. I hate to say that because it’s like picking a favorite child, but she is my most well-rounded character. She is strong and sassy, but she also has her faults. She’s passionate and fierce in everything she does. I had the best time writing from her POV.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

– A little of both, I guess. I definitely strive to be original. Readers don’t want to read the same stories over and over. At the same time, I do look at genre trends and try to incorporate that into my story ideas.

Where can your fans find you and follow??

– Fans can follow me on Facebook mostly. I have a reader group called Heather Renee’s Guardians and a Facebook page under Heather Renee Author. I am also on Instagram and Twitter. All of my links can be found on my website here: https://www.heatherreneeauthor.com/contact-me/